Here at Manchester’s Finest, everything we do is aimed to support our local independent businesses.
Object, Beech Road Chorlton
In light of everything that’s going on, I’m feeling inspired by the sense of community coming out of all this, something us Mancs are famed for.
Another thing we’re famed for is our rich arts and culture, because Manchester is home to SO many local artists, who collectively make our city unique.
In these pressing times, we know it’s our local artists and businesses who are going to take a hit.
City-wide venue closures are coming in thick and fast and I was devastated to see that the Manchester Open Exhibition 2020 at HOME has had to pack up early, leaving many emerging artists cut short of the chance to sell their work and gain exposure.
So, what can we do to help our local talent?
Put simply, follow their socials, leave kind reviews and tell them how fucking great they are. But most importantly, buy their work, please.
Whether it’s a gift for your Mam, or you just feel like treating yourself, take advantage of your self-isolation and get ordering local.
FernandesMakes
from Nicola Fernandes
Nicola’s work is stocked all over Manchester, simply because it’s bloody brilliant. You can find her working on the top floor of Afflecks Palace creating illustrative treats (which usually include the nation’s sweetheart Louis Theroux) pet portraits, playful revenge and immense girl power. Put simply, Nicola’s quirky work makes you feel good. You can buy her work via her Esty…
Object
from Rachael Otterwell
Object is a gorgeous little independent shop located on Chorlton’s Beech Road. They stock the most beautiful objects from handmade pottery, organic skincare, handcrafted jewellery, slow fashion, art works, plants and so, so much more. Their stock comes only from like minded small, independent businesses and their whole ethos is based around supporting them. They are open for business but if like myself you’re at home right now, take a look at their online shop. Psssst, they’re even offering Free Next Day UK Delivery on overs over £40 until Sunday 22nd March…
Booze and Burn
Booze and Burn is a small Mancunian business selling candles, made from soy wax out of re-purposed booze bottles. They smell AMAZING of course! You can even get personalised labels making it the perfect gift for anyone who is stuck in quarantine. The soy wax is much better for the environment
Frida Cooper Ceramics
from Frida Cooper
Frida is ceramicist working from a small studio in Manchester, she makes stunning minimal, functional, unitarian pieces which range from vases, bowls, dishes, mugs, broaches and earrings. Frida also sketches beautiful portraits and sells her work via her online shop (drop her a message if you’d like a special commission!)
Bloom HQ
from Aimee Jay
Bloom HQ is an independent florist based in Manchester ran by Aimee Jay. Aimee often hosts regular workshops in and around Manchester including her well sought after and most popular floristry class. Their blooms are mostly home-grown and sourced locally, which gives Bloom a huge range of unusual flowers and foliage to play with. Always stunning and high quality, you can order yourself a bunch from their webshop below!
Nordic Muse
from Jenny Maxwell
Nordic Muse is an own-label jewellery and branded Nordic lifestyle collective ran by Jenny Maxwell. Established in Manchester, you can find Nordic Muse located at Hatch, the food, drink and retail destination on Oxford Road. Their stock is to die for and ranges from home, living, jewellery, accessories, cards, stationary and loads more. Offering design-led products at the right price, have a peep at their webstore below!
Oklahoma MCR
Established in 1997, Oklahoma is for sure Manchester’s biggest and most colourful independent gift & homeware store. Home to a wealth of independent artists’ work, you’ll find Oklahoma in the Northern Quarter. The guys over at Okla have AMAZING taste, and you’ll be certain to find some gems here. Take a look at their web shop below!
Northern Flower Manchester
Need to brighten the self isolation? Why not order some beautiful blooms from the original, super friendly, Northern Quarter florist, Northern Flower. With fresh flowers and peculiar plants on offer, the gals down at the shop really know how to craft a beautiful bunch. They do collection from their gorgeous little shop and delivery from their webshop. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Beaches & Cream
from Gabrielle Ball
Established in Manchester, Beaches & Cream provides luxury accessories for the destination dreamer. Their stock is truly thing of dreams. Founded by Gabrielle Ball, Beaches & Cream stock everything from jewellery, bags, stunningly delicate hair accessories and loads more. Oh and their Instagram will make you want to book a 1 way flight straight outta here, so be warned. Place an order via DM or their Facebook!
Magma
My absolute favourite independent book shop in Manchester. Stocking the wonderfully weird with everything from high fashion mags, paper zines, gifts, tote bags and so, so much more. I usually spend my full dinner hour deciding what mag to go for in here. The perfect gift for any reader, take a peep at their webstore below!
